USC Men's Basketball: Star Guard Showed Out In European Exhibition Games
USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield must've doing cartwheels upon learning that guard Boogie Ellis would be returning to school.
Ellis led the Trojans a year ago in scoring -- averaging 17.7 PPG on 48.0-percent from the field and 38.6-percent from three-point range. Many assumed that the First Team All-Pac-12 performer would stay in this year's NBA Draft.
Fortunately for the Trojans, Ellis had some unfinished business on the collegiate level. Wanting to improve some individual parts of his game -- as well as the desire to lead the Trojans to some postseason glory -- Ellis decided to come back to school.
In recent years, many college basketball programs have embarked on overseas summer trips. The aim is to not only build team chemistry and camaraderie, but also test themselves versus professional and semi-pro teams across the pond.
In USC's case, the 10-day excursion included travels to Greece and Croatia. Three games were on the docket during period, along with the natural opportunities to sightsee and learn about different cultures.
The Trojans ended winning all three games during this period abroad. Perhaps the most encouraging sign was the play of Ellis.
In the three exhibition contests, Ellis averaged over 22 PPG on a blistering 58.5-percent from the field and an even more ridiculous 59-percent from three.
From the short snippets of film, you were seeing a player competing with some real confidence. Ellis has always been an assured scorer dating back to his days as a prep player in San Diego. Now as a fifth-year college player, you can see the growth in his game. There's a reason why he's been selected as a captain for this year's team.
Enfield and his staff truly have to be over the moon from the standpoint that Ellis -- the most lethal returning guard in the Pac-12 -- will be paired with the nation's No. 1. recruit in Isaiah Collier.
With both being playmaking guards, you can envision a scenario in which Collier and Ellis will share the ball handling duties. Ellis surely will welcome Collier's ability to facilitate.
Not only will Ellis be in prime position to score from an off-ball standpoint, but he can also conserve some energy by not having to bring the ball up the court every single time down the floor (as he did much of last season).
From a bigger picture standpoint, the Trojans appear to be an early favorite within the conference. Among their bigger competitors will include a retooled Arizona squad, a veteran Colorado team, and a talented Oregon outfit.
